Torres: Chelsea are EPL challengers

Fernando Torres has insisted Chelsea will challenge for the English Premier League title this season. Despite securing both UEFA Champions League and FA Cup glory in May, the Blues finished a massive 25 points behind Premier League champions Manchester City. But Torres, who arrived in the United States on Tuesday to link up with his touring club-mates for the first time since Spain's UEFA EURO 2012 triumph, was adamant he could add another prize to his new-found trophy haul. The striker told his personal website, www.fernando9torres.com: "I would love to win a Premier League. Hopefully it will happen this year, but for sure we will be challenging for it." Torres, who finished another difficult season on a real high last term, added: "In my opinion, the equality between the big English teams is at a peak. You just have to look at the way City sealed the title, at the last gasp, and how the team that won the Champions League finished sixth." Chelsea have the chance to lay down a challenge to City when the sides meet in the Community Shield on 12 August.  "That's how the [Community Shield] will be, a battle from start to finish between two teams who are obliged to fight for everything this season in England and in Europe," added the striker. Torres' confidence in Chelsea's hopes has been bolstered by the summer signings of Eden Hazard and Marko Marin, as well as the impending arrival of Brazil star Oscar.